It seems that no one is happy with their body, and that is a big shame as our bodies are the most wonderful things and we should be grateful for them in every way, no matter what size or shape or in what condition they might be in! Impossible images in the media serve to make us feel bad or persuade us to want more than we have, and that just makes us miserable instead of allowing us to enjoy the moment and relish in the fact that we are simply alive. Sometimes that truly is enough. If you’re not convinced, please read our thoughts on why you should never be ashamed of your amazing, beautiful body.

You Can Change It

If the reason you are feeling bad is because of something you can change, then that’s a good thing. It may not feel like it, but whatever it is that is causing you distress, whether it be your weight, your health, the condition of your skin (many people suffer from acne throughout their lives, not just in their teenage years), a hearing problem, or anything else is – with work from you and help from others – just a temporary thing. If it can be changed and fixed (that is, you concentrate on doing more exercise so that you are healthier and lose weight, or you speak to a specialist about what can be done about your skin, or you learn more about hearing aids that can be bought from Walmart), then go for it and you will feel better and more confident once it is done.

You Can’t Change It

Sometimes there will be issues about ourselves that we don’t like which cannot be changed. Our height, for example, is fixed at the point we stop growing. Disabilities that we were born with, or that we suffer after an accident or through illness aren’t always possible to cure. However, although it may be difficult to do some things in life, and that might make us feel sad or uncomfortable and ashamed of the way we look, if there is nothing that can be done, then shame is the last thing you should be feeling. This is you, and everyone is different. Everyone has their faults and scars whether you can see them or not. It may take some time to start to think about your disabilities or unchangeable physical aspects, but once you do, it will change your entire outlook on life.

You’re Not The Only One

Although everyone is unique in their own way, in general, everyone is very similar to one another, and if you are feeling ashamed about something that you don’t like about yourself, the chances are the other people (many of them!) will be feeling exactly the same. It might help if you search online for forums and support groups where you will always find like-minded people. Look for the positive and find the stories where people overcame their ‘shame’ and became happier with themselves and their lives. These are the people you should connect with and share your thoughts. When you realize that your body is wonderful and that everyone has something about themselves they’re not happy with, you’ll realize it’s pointless feeling that shame; it’s far better just to accept and move on.

No One Truly Cares

Maybe you’re worried about how you look in a bathing suit, so you stay away from the pool or the beach. Perhaps you think that scar on your leg or arm should be covered at all times, making you self-conscious and unable to buy and wear the clothes you want. The truth is, in most cases, you’re the only one who will actually notice these issues. People are so busy with their own lives that they truly don’t care what you are wearing or how you look. If you’re on the beach, for example, everyone is going to be doing their own thing, enjoying themselves, spending time with their loved ones. They’re not going to be searching for people to stare at. If you also go there to enjoy yourself and spend time with your loved ones (who will love you no matter what you look like or what you’re wearing), then you can relax and have fun rather than being worried about what other people are doing.

You Are Loved

Take a look around you at your friends and family. You are truly loved, and whether you’re ‘too’ tall or ‘too’ short, whether you’re overweight or underweight, whether you have scars or mobility issues, or your skin is not as glowing as you’d like or anything else that causes you to worry about yourself, those people who love you just aren’t bothered by any of it. They love you, and they would love you no matter how you looked because they know the real you, which has very little to do with how you look at all.

As well as being loved, you have the capacity to love, and that makes you a wonderful person who, far from being ashamed of themselves should be celebrating their loved and loving lives.

There Are Reasons

Some of the things you are ashamed of about your body have a reason behind them, and it is this that you need to focus on. Maybe you have a scar that you find ugly. If that’s the case, then think about why you have that scar. Was it an operation that saved your life or gave life to someone else? In that case, you can think of the scar differently and be proud of it rather than ashamed. Maybe your nails don’t grow well. Could it be that it’s because you are active and healthy, doing sports, for example, that means shorter nails are better or even safer? That’s a good thing; exercise and enjoying a hobby is much more important than perfectly manicured nails. Think of the reasons behind your ‘problems,’ and you may realize how lucky you are and that they aren’t actually problems at all.

responsible for this new life, you may be experiencing big changes in your routine and lifestyle. One of the most noticeable changes many women face after having their first child is a decrease in their energy level. Dealing with a newborn baby, lack of sleep, and the hormone adjustments that come with pregnancy and birth can do a number on your stamina. Here are seven ways to get your energy back after having a baby.

1. Get Some "You" Time

First, take a breath and give yourself a break. It's impossible to do it all as a new mom without ever taking a break for yourself and getting some "you" time. Hire a babysitter, pass the baby off to your spouse, or recruit family members to give you some time away from your new bundle of joy. Take a few minutes, a few hours, or even a day to yourself to rejuvenate during those rough first months. Consider a day at the spa, a haircut, or some time with a good book to help recharge.

2. Focus on Sleep

Sleep deprivation for new parents is another thing that could be sapping your energy away. During the first six months of your baby's life, you may not get a full night's sleep. Night feedings, late night wakeups, dirty diapers, or illnesses may have you or your partner getting up multiple times in the night to take care of the baby. To restore some of that lost energy, take some time during your day to get at least one more hour of uninterrupted sleep.

3. Start a New Exercise Program

Exercise is also another great way you can increase your energy levels. Even if you feel exhausted, just taking the time to go for a walk can help boost your energy levels temporarily. You can even take your baby with you if you're going for a neighborhood stroll. Start slowly with exercise after having your baby, and consult your doctor for some tips.

4. Drink Plenty of Water

Your depleted energy levels may also be related to how hydrated your body is. New moms who breastfeed need to increase their water intake to keep up with the demands of a hungry baby. Aim to get at least eight glasses of water per day to help stay alert and ready to take on this new lifestyle.

5. Try Some Energy Boosters

You can also turn to energy boosting products to help give yourself a little more pep in your step. Le-Vel Thrive is a great option to help restore your energy levels back to what they were before you had your baby. Lots of women have shared their experiences by writing positive Le-Vel reviews and detailing their spikes in energy levels.

6. Go on a Date

Spending all of your time with your new baby, day after day, can be draining, even if your child sleeps through the night. Why not try to get back some of that quality couple time with your partner and go on a date? Schedule a date night at least once a month with your partner to feel a little more energized during this tough transition.

7. Spend Time With Friends

Finally, don't forget to spend more quality time with friends and family throughout these first months of your child's life. Look into joining a new mom's group, getting into a new hobby, or reconnecting with your friends from college to stay in touch with your social side and improve your energy.

It's normal to feel sluggish and tired after having a new baby. Check out these helpful tips to give yourself ways to get back to feeling like you after welcoming a new arrival.

Your health and wellbeing practices always need to be kept top of mind throughout your entire life. This should start from a young age; however, if it does not, it is never too late to start.

When you are younger, it is optimal that you start to live a healthy lifestyle. By doing so, you are preparing your mind and body for old age, which can come with some health issues. While some diseases or illnesses may be unavoidable, through exercise and a healthy diet, you can live more comfortably.

The following points below are going to highlight the best practices to keep you healthy.

Eating habits

Food is your source of fuel, and your everyday eating habits affect both your mind and body. In this case, you need to make a habit of eating nutritious and vitamin-filled meals, as well as balancing it out with the various food groups. Sounds easy enough, right? To make it even easier, you should consider meal plans ahead of time. Your diet should also involve the following:

Lots of vegetables and fruit

Whole grains

A reduction in sugar and saturated fats

The occasional treat

Avoiding ‘low fat’ foods (these are full of sugar)

You need to eat enough fiber, protein, and carbs so that your body has the fuel to work properly. Visit your doctor for advice on what to eat if you are struggling.

Working out

Your body weight needs to be maintained so that you have the optimal BMI. While dieting can help you lose weight initially, it does not last and can have devastating effects on your body and mind’s health. Cardio and strength training should both be practiced. Cardio so that you can burn fat, and strength so that you can build muscle mass. Both can help with your metabolism.

Staying positive

Your ability to stay positive is yet another way that you can look out for your health and wellbeing, given the fact that it helps boost you mentally. Start by always looking at the good aspect of any situation, even those that are less than ideal. Your perception controls your mood and your environment, and you are the sole person responsible for how you react to certain situations.

The relationships you have with people will also strengthen when you are positive and radiate good energy. Surround yourself with people who build you up, rather than tear you down.

Pursuing your dreams

Life is too short not to pursue your dreams. This is furthermore a situation that will dramatically impact your mental wellbeing and will, therefore, make you a happier individual. If you don’t try something, how can you know that you will fail? Not to mention, failure is a part of life, and you can use it as a lesson for the next time, now that you know what not to do in a particular situation. Whether you aspire to travel for long periods of time, make a career change, purchase a home, start a business, or whatever it may be, it’s time to start putting your thoughts into action.

Avoid stressful situations

It would be well worth your while to avoid situations that stress you out. Unneeded stress can leave us feeling anxious – and for no good reason. If it is friends or family who stress you out (perhaps they ask you for money and you feel uncomfortable saying no), cutting ties may be the best course of action. On the other hand, if it is your job, looking for one better suited to your temperament can help you feel happier. While you cannot always avoid stress, unneeded stress should not be wholly present in your life.

Get the help you need (and deserve)

Bad health can happen to the healthiest of individuals. While dementia or Alzheimer's can affect many of us, it is whole you cope with it that will impact your life. Living on your own may no longer be a viable option, so finding accommodation type that allows for assisted living can be a great alternative. If you or a loved one is in need of memory care, you can read more on the subject as well as how assisted care facilities can help. You can bring your own belongings, decorate your room and have your own private space.

Sleeping

Sleeping enough and getting the correct amount of hours can be greatly beneficial to a person’s health and mood. In fact, when you are sick, people often recommend that you get more sleep. Imagine what it does when you are already feeling healthy!

Adults need an average of 7-8 hours in order to be sharp the next day and well rested. Failing to do so can negatively impact your weight, heart, health, and much more. The solution, in this case, is simple and requires you to start the habit of going to bed and waking up at a consistent time each day. Soon enough you may not even need your alarm to wake you up in the morning.

Time and time again, you must have heard the advice that you need to look out for your health. It is something that parents should have told you, a friend and even school teachers! The biggest question is what have you done about it? Have you changed any habits for you to live a better life? While it’s never too late, the longer you wait, the harder it will be to start working out or eating healthy.

Some bad habits are hard to break, the same way someone that has smoked for many years will have a hard time quitting. If you are used to eating chips and chocolate every single day, you need to find your source of motivation to stop and replace it with a healthier alternative (carrot sticks and hummus, for example). Thus, you should always think about the benefits of doing something, and in this case, what living a healthier life will mean for your state of being.

Everyone has had a headache, body ache, or injury that has caused them some temporary pain. The pain can reach high levels but is commonly relieved by taking a painkiller or sleeping it off. Yet, when you’re plagued with a condition or injury that causes long-term, chronic pain, the debilitating feeling can be life-changing. Though there are prescription painkillers that can mask or numb the pain for a moment, relying on pills is no way to live, especially when the side effects can cause more harm than good. The good news is, there are alternative methods that can be used to relieve your pain.

Massage Therapy

Massages not only feel awesome, but they have been proven to help patients suffering from various levels of pain. Massage therapists are trained in techniques that manipulate the soft tissue to stimulate the muscles, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation which is a common source of pain. Going for a massage on a weekly or monthly basis can help to loosen up kinks, get the blood flowing, and improve flexibility and range of motion.

Topical Creams

For those who don’t like relying heavily on prescription painkillers, there are other options. Over-the-counter creams have been proven to reduce pain for those suffering from arthritis, carpal tunnel, tendonitis, and more. Products like Arthritis Wonder, from wonderpainrelief.com, has natural ingredients like wogonin, which has been used in Asia for centuries to cure many ailments. It can be used on a daily basis to get pain relief without the negative side effects that can evolve from taking medication.

Change of Diet

Inflammation is one of the key causes of pain and a common symptom of conditions ranging from a sprained ankle and back surgery to arthritis and cancer. To reduce inflammation in the body and relieve pain long-term, you should watch what you’re eating. Many foods can cause more inflammation in the body, like dairy products and processed foods, which is why you may need to change your eating habits. Eating foods that help to reduce inflammation like broccoli, tomatoes, salmon, and beans, can help long-term.

CBD Oil

As citizens fight to legalize recreational and medical marijuana, there has been an increasing amount of research on this “hypnotizing” plant. As it turns out, it has many healing properties that include the ability to reduce inflammation and treat pain. CBD is a cannabinoid that is derived from the marijuana and hemp plant. This chemical component then communicates with receptors in the brain and immune system which help to improve mood and reduce inflammation and swelling. You can find CBD in just about everything from lotions and soaps to butter and candy.

Yoga

Though it may seem impossible or counterproductive to workout when you’re in pain, it is a known fact that exercising helps to reduce inflammation. Yoga is a safe, low-intensity exercise and it is worth giving it a try. Its mind, body, and soul techniques are believed to be the perfect combination for managing pain long-term. Though there are several types of yoga, the main concept is to combine meditation and breathing techniques with various postures that teach mindfulness while improving flexibility and range of motion. It is believed that the calming combination helps reduce stress and relieve pain.

Acupuncture

Another popular alternative method of coping with chronic pain is acupuncture. This ancient Chinese medical practice has been used by many suffering from severe pain. The acupuncturist inserts small needles into various points on the body. In doing so, through a series of sessions, some patients have reported feeling relief from pain for long periods of time.

When pain has taken control of your life to the point that you can’t function without taking a pill, it’s time to do something about it. Relying on medication can lead to an addiction, along with a plethora of side effects, including stomach and liver damage. There are alternative pain management solutions you can try that will help to reduce the inflammation, easing your pain and allowing you to reclaim your life. Before trying any of the above-mentioned suggestions, however, it is always a good idea to talk with your doctor to ensure that it is safe.

Young people interested in making a career of athletics need to be mindful of the fact that very few athletes ever hit the big time by any other channel than through college sports programs. Oh sure, there is always the occasional superstar that gets noticed in high school or out in the field if a scout happens to be passing through, but, those instances are really few and far between. If you are looking to have a career as an athlete, here is some practical advice to get you started on the right track.

Have Realistic Expectations

While it is wonderful to have a vision, seeing yourself as a pro, it is always important to be well-grounded in reality. What happens if you never get chosen by scouts touring the country looking for prospects? What happens if you get injured on the field, thus ending your career? Everyone wants to become a pro athlete, but it is important to have something to fall back on just ‘in case.’

Start Early and Work Hard

It is never too early to begin preparing yourself to be a professional athlete. If you look at any of today’s sports superstars, you will see that they began at a very early age. Take Buster Posey, for example. Did you know this baseball champ played T-Ball in Lee County, Georgia and never lost sight of his goals throughout his entire academic years? Buster got a scholarship, a full ride, and was in college before the scouts picked him up. As the highest ever sign on in 2008, you can see how going to college put him in place to be seen.

Scholarships for Serious Minded Athletes

If you work hard, there are scholarships out there for serious minded athletes. You can find a wide listing of them on sports scholarships by asmscholarships.com in your respective sport. Whether you play baseball, basketball, football or enjoy more than one sport, there is a scholarship for you if you have a will to succeed. Again, it takes dedicatin and a lot of hard work, but a scholarship can help you pay for an education that you may not be able to afford otherwise.

Areas of Study

It may be that you really don’t want to go pro in the traditional understanding of the term. Maybe you want to be a coach or a trainer. You still need that degree and unless you get it, your chances of getting a job are slim. Some entry level sports jobs require a certification in that particular field, but coaches and trainers often need at least a BA to even be considered for the job.

The best advice is to stay focused. Keep your vision and don’t do anything in life that could interfere with reaching that goal. If money is an issue, focus on finding scholarships. If academics are a problem, get a tutor. Whatever it takes to get that education is what you need to do. Becoming a pro is hard work but well worth the effort.

While both CBD and THC come from the cannabis plant, the former does not get you high, while the latter does. What CBD edibles do however, is bring a bunch of health benefits with them. Now, gummies were traditionally used to lure children into taking their daily multivitamins, but nowadays, they are a popular CBD edible for adults too. The question is, do you know everything about CBD gummies that you need to? Well, even if you didn’t, you are about to get a bit wiser by the end of this article.

CBD Gummies are Healthier than Smoking CBD

Whether you are just relaxing with a bong full of cannabidiol or trying to get high on THC with marijuana, it’s the smoke that does the real damage to your lungs and the entire respiratory system. CBD gummies not only cut out the THC, but they cut out the smoke as well, making them the healthier and tastier choice by default.

Gummies Have the Least Side Effects

In spite of not being addictive or psychoactive, a very small number of people do experience some side effects from CBD use. Compared to most other forms of CBD, the gummies actually have the least chance of causing an adverse reaction in a user and even when they do cause a side effect, it just stays limited to dryness of the mouth. If you are on any serious medication though, beware that CBD in general might make some meds less effective.

Regular Use of CBD Gummies Can Reduce the Chances of Cancer

Cannabidiol has been proven to be effective in the prevention of tumor growths and slowing down the spread of cancer in lab animals. This is not to say that it is a cure by any stretch of the imagination, but regular intake can reduce the chances of cancerous growths. This is true for CBD in general but the gummies make it so much more convenient to take cannabidiol on a regular basis. You can have one even while you are traveling via public transport, which isn’t something one can really say about smoking weed or CBD!

The Effects of CBD from Gummies Last Much Longer

The lungs do not store anything because that’s not how they function, which is precisely why the effects are almost immediate if you smoke your cannabidiol or marijuana. On the other hand, the stomach is designed to store and digest food slowly, so that the body has a continuous supply of energy for a longer period of time. This means that CBD gummies have a much longer lifetime as the stomach keeps supplying the body with a steady stream of CBD.

CBD Gummies Can Help Against Inflammatory Diseases

This is one of the facts about CBD that is widely known and accepted by the medical community; both CBD and THC aids in relieving pain and reducing inflammations throughout the body, especially near the joints. In fact, in lab mice, CBD even managed to reduce the occurrence of diabetes significantly.

Many states in the US have already adopted a more tolerant attitude towards the cannabis plant due to its medicinal properties, with more to follow soon. It might take time for the whole world to fully realize the potential that the herb has, but you don’t really have to wait to enjoy the benefits as CBD gummies and plenty of other edibles are available legally in the US right now.

Supplements for either people or pets are big business. Everyone wants to have a balanced intake of nutrients. They don't necessarily find that nutrition in their daily diets, however. You may have a supplement that's perfect for the marketplace. However, your next hurdle is manufacturing the item. Learn how to select a manufacturer and create a business relationship with them. Your supplements might be in stores in little time.

Meet With Several Candidates

Manufacturing custom supplements means that you need a company that specializes in your niche industry. Ideally, meet up with several manufacturers who have extensive experience with supplements. Discussing pricing is just the start of the negotiations. Understanding their processing strategy and pace should be core concerns.

Learn where their ingredients originate from and if any delays have occurred in the past. You have a right to know what you're getting into because reliable delivery is necessary when your customers demand their products.

Research and First Impressions Matter

If you have positive meetings with several manufacturers, you now face the choice of picking one company. Perform some research on your end. Look at each company's successes and drawbacks. You might even create a list of pros and cons.

Take your first impressions into consideration as well. At times, a gut feeling can help you decide between several candidates. It's a fact that every company will have positive and negative aspects. You must simply pick the company that serves your needs to the best of their abilities.

Focus on the Big Picture

The cheapest manufacturer isn't always the best one to pick. A good rule of thumb is selecting a company that has median pricing. They typically have other benefits, such as rapid delivery or express manufacturing processes too. Look at the manufacturing process as a set of actions. You want each module to operate to its fullest potential. By hiring the company that has the most reliable operations and reasonable prices, you'll have a recipe for potential success.

Verify Compliance

You're close to picking a candidate. Perform some final checks by looking at each company's compliance with the law. They must have calibrated machines, tools and other items verified by the authorities. NSF compliance is your biggest concern, especially when it comes to supplement manufacturing. Lack of compliance can damage your reputation in the industry.

Create a Contract

Before you agree to any manufacturing processes, there must be a contract in place. Create a contract that covers all of your bases. It should include potential numbers on busy and slow periods, production expectations and details regarding backlogs. The contract should ultimately stand up for your rights as a company with a product to sell.

If the manufacturer doesn't agree to your terms, it's your choice to either renegotiate or walk away from the table. At times, businesses can't agree on terms.

Reevaluate the contract that you have with the manufacturer when it approaches its renewal date. Renegotiations may be in order, or a brand-new manufacturer must be sought out. Regardless of your business situation, always look at your contractual details before agreeing to another year or two. Controlling your business's product line is at the heart of a successful company.

When you have to live with chronic pain, you cannot take advantage of regular treatments like chiropractic care or medications. These do not help as much as you need. It is important to be aware of alternative treatments that can ease neck pain. Every single possible pain relief option would be considered by those that are faced with chronic pain so do consider the following options.

Make Sure You Stay Hydrated

Water is needed because discs between spine vertebrae use it to maintain spinal alignment and disc height. Every single spinal disk is made out of around 80% water at birth. Ratio decreases while aging and discs degenerate. You want to build and maintain really strong hydration habits in order to prevent the further degeneration of your cervical discs. This can reduce chronic neck pain.

Start Swimming

Swimming can have strong therapeutic effects on neck pain. This is especially the case because inflammation is reduced, thus offering quick pain relief. Neck stiffness is eased for many that pick up this sport. Some extra related tips to consider:

Make sure water level reaches your neck. Simply moving around in water helps, even if you do not swim.

Use the swimming pool when it is warm.

Find strokes that are gentle for swimming laps without feeling pain in the neck area.

When swimming is still too strenuous, water therapy can help. This means performing some really gentle exercises as you stay inside a warmer swimming pool. Water therapy is often seen as an alternative to numerous regular exercises, especially for older adults.

Go To A Physical Therapist

Physical therapy is often seen as treatment that has the goal of reducing symptoms when suffering from an injury. For instance, we often see personal injury lawyers talk about the need to go through physical therapy in order to recover from whiplash injuries. What should be remembered is that this type of therapy is also useful in many other cases. It is capable of identifying secondary pain causes, does teach you how to reduce re-injury risks and strengthens your neck’s weaker areas.

Acupuncture

Varying neck pain relief degrees are provided by acupuncture. There are cases when people get a lot of help and cases where efficiency is law. Basically, success rate is around 50% among people suffering from chronic pain and using acupuncture. This is not a bad percentage so it has to be considered. Obviously, practitioner skills will dictate how efficient acupuncture is for neck pain relief. You want to identify those professionals that are highly skilled since they are the ones that are most likely going to help.

Use Neck-Supporting Chairs

Good posture is really important when trying to control neck pain. Headrests will help you since the cervical spine is maintained in a completely neutral position. If you use an office chair, get one that has a headrest. At the same time, be sure that a headrest is used on your home recliner, inside your car and practically as often as possible if you are in a sitting position.

If you want to be successful in getting in shape and losing unwanted pounds, then it’s important to think through what you’re about to do before diving in head-first! Starting a new exercise program is exciting and a positive first step, but it’s also wise to reflect on a few considerations before you commit.

Exercise programs can be rigorous and require a lot of time and energy on your part. You want to make sure you’re in a position to begin this challenge so that you have a more enjoyable experience. It’s always a good idea to think through the logistics before investing any money in a new workout program.

Did You Define Your Goals?

The only way you’re going to truly see the results you desire from a new exercise program is to set goals. Take time to define what you want to occur after completing your workout routine over a given period of time. For instance, maybe it’s that you want to drop a few pounds or gain more strength and flexibility. Determine your objectives and then track your progress so you can see if it’s working or not.

What’s Your Current Lifestyle?

Another important consideration you want to take into account before starting a new exercise program is your current lifestyle. If you’re extremely unhealthy, smoking cigarettes and drinking a lot of alcohol, then you may not be prepared to jump into an intense workout routine. If you have a desire to change your ways, then think about attending an alcohol detoxification treatment center and getting clean to help you better succeed and improve your fitness level.

Should You Involve Your Doctor?

If you haven’t visited your doctor in a while, then now could be a good time to speak with him or her. Let them know about the new exercise program you have a desire to start and get their input. They’ll likely do a health exam and make sure you’re in good condition to participate, so you don’t put yourself in danger. You’ll feel a lot more confident taking on this challenge if you know you have your doctor’s approval and are feeling well.

What’s the Commitment?

It’s likely that a new exercise program is going to demand some sort of commitment from you. This could mean having to dedicate more of your time, money and energy and may cause you to have to change your lifestyle a bit. You might be required to wake up early before work and hit the gym and cook more meals for yourself at home. Confirm you understand what modifications you’ll have to embrace if you want to participate fully and make it worth your while.

Conclusion

Getting fit is never easy, but it is doable when you properly prepare for what’s to come. These are a few important considerations you’ll want to mull over before you sign up to participate in a new exercise program. If you do move forward, remember to have fun and enjoy the benefits that come from all your hard work.

Every year millions of people try to lose weight, improve their exercise regimen, or simply make an effort to be healthy. Ironically, more than half feel like they aren’t supported and end up falling off the bandwagon. What this means is that we need to reconsider where our support comes from and how to gain the solid foundation we need to improve our health. Here are four ways you can gain cheerleaders on your healthy lifestyle change.

Pictures Show It All

Instagram has made every average American a photographer and why not consider using photographs to show your story? That means showing off the healthy food you are enjoying, the workouts that inspire you, and pictures of how your body is shifting. Hashtags are your best friends and will lead you to all the people you can connect with who will cheer you on and hold your hand when you have a day in which you feel less than gorgeous. When you reach your goals, the pictures you take could also be entered into a photography contest to share with the world how awesome you did and share your story.

Connect With Personal Trainers

When it feels like you have no one in your court, getting a personal trainer is a top-notch investment in your health. They are making a living by helping people who were in the same place they were once at. None of your personal trainers were healthy and physically fit all their lives, they struggled too! They know what you are feeling, why you are feeling it, and tried & true practices to overcome. They will be a cheerleader for you while helping you push through the hard stuff. Many trainers are perceived as being similar to a drill sergeant and that is not true. It is important to interview them to make sure your personalities don’t clash and you get the support you need.

Get Paid For Your Efforts

If your focus is to lose weight, why not place a bet on yourself? Healthy Wage is a place in which you place money on the line and can win big on your weight loss. You set what you can afford to pay in, you set how much weight you want to lose, and you set a reasonable time frame. If you are successful, you win more than what you paid in. For some folks, it’s a great incentive to empower themselves and be their own cheerleader. This does come with a downside, if you don’t lose the weight in the timeframe, you will lose the money. This is meant for people who are very serious about their weight loss.

Follow The Fitness Trail

Believe it or not, there are fitness social networks that can help you on your fitness journey. On these sites, you can track your food, track your exercise, track your weight, and connect with others who are doing the same as you. It’s like a big group working together and supporting one another. If this sounds like something that would help you, we recommend checking into MyFitnessPal and SparkPeople.

It is hard to feel like you are doing something completely on your own and without support. Support is out there, some of us just have to reach out and find it.